a moment....

There are few moments that I anticipate. Things that I know will happen and I can expect. Things that I can set a clock to. One of those moments is Christmast Eve.

Every Christmas eve for as long as I remember I've attended church, mass to be exact. It's a very late service that usually involves me falling asleep, even as an adult.

There is one thing that happens pretty much every Christmas Eve. The ushers pass out candles. We each light our candles. The lights in the church are dimmed. The organ begins to play "Silent Night".

Standing in the midst of a holy building, surrounded by candlelight, hearing the organ playing, singing "Silent Night", always makes me feel so....peaceful.

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth